Joshua Tree, with its strange, almost otherworldly beauty, is a place where you can disconnect from everything and just take in the simplicity of nature. With over 790,000 acres of land, the park is a vast wilderness that remains largely untouched. It's a sharp contrast from many of the national parks I’ve visited in China. Here, you won’t find the large crowds or excessive infrastructure that sometimes accompany the more touristy destinations. In fact, the open sky and quietude are what make Joshua Tree so special.
The first thing I noticed during my hike was the silence.
There were no city noises, no hum of power lines. Even on a weekend, it felt
like I had the entire desert to myself. The absence of people allowed me to
fully immerse myself in the landscape— a mix of bizarre rock formations and
towering Joshua trees, which are a species of yucca that seem almost alien in
their appearance. These trees, which only grow in the Mojave Desert,
have become iconic symbols of the park.
As I started my hike, I couldn’t help but marvel at the clear
blue sky. The air was dry, crisp, and the light—oh, the light. It’s easy to
forget how beautiful and pure sunlight can be in a place like this. There are
no tall buildings or city smog to block it, just uninterrupted sky. Even though
I hadn’t brought all my hiking gear with me, I was eager to explore some of the
trails that wound through the desert. There’s something about walking in the
desert that feels different from anywhere else. The landscape is both harsh and
welcoming, offering a sense of freedom that’s hard to describe.
Joshua Tree is known for its many rock climbing
opportunities, with climbers from all over the world coming here to scale its
unique formations. I didn’t plan to do any climbing on this trip, but I could
still appreciate the sight of climbers perched on the boulders, their
silhouettes stark against the sky. It’s a challenging terrain— the rocks are
rough and weathered by years of wind and sand, providing an excellent grip for
climbing shoes, but not so kind to bare skin.
As I ventured deeper into the park, I encountered something
I hadn’t expected—petroglyphs. These ancient carvings, found on some of
the rock surfaces, are thought to be thousands of years old. Standing in front
of them, it’s impossible not to feel a connection to the history of the land.
Unfortunately, as with many historic sites, some of the petroglyphs have been
damaged by graffiti or thoughtless visitors. This is why places like Joshua
Tree need protection. Without national parks, these invaluable relics of the
past would be lost forever.
One of the more unique parts of the park is the dam,
which I stumbled upon while exploring. Originally built in the late 19th
century to provide water for cattle ranching, the dam is a remnant of the
area's earlier uses. It’s now just another fascinating piece of history hidden
within the vast desert landscape.
The best part of my day, though, was just wandering off the
main trail, surrounded by nature. At times, I’d find myself completely alone,
the only sounds coming from the desert wind and the occasional rustling of a
small animal. There’s something meditative about being in such an open space,
where you can just walk and think, without any distractions.
For those who haven’t been, I can’t recommend Joshua Tree
enough. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, or just want to experience the
vast beauty of the desert, it has something for everyone. The park is at its
best in the fall or spring, when temperatures are mild, and the wildlife
is more active. If you're thinking about visiting, October is one of the
best times to go— the weather is perfect, and the skies are clear.
At the end of the day, after hours of exploring, I couldn’t
help but feel a sense of calm and gratitude. The desert has a way of humbling
you, reminding you that there’s a bigger world out there—one that doesn’t
revolve around the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
